Hockey team win nationals

Ripon Grammar School’s Under-18s hockey players were crowned State Boarding National Champions after a tense penalty shoot-out at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Delighted coach Trevor Bosomworth said the girls had to display plenty of Yorkshire grit and determination to win through a very tough semi-final and final, which both ended in nail-biting penalty shoot-outs.

“It was certainly a case of team work making the dream work. They should feel very proud of their achievement,” he said.

The 15-strong squad were up against Surrey’s Gordon’s School in the finals, where they dominated the first half, but ended up 2-2 in full time and penalties.

PE teacher Siobhan Gilfillan said: “It was very tense. Players have just eight seconds, one-on-one with the goalkeeper, to score, starting 23-metres away from the goal.”

Player of the day Marianne Morrice saved four penalties and Georgie Turner and Jess Merrin scored two goals.

Bethany Hamby, 18, from Ripon, said parents were waving the Yorkshire flag from the stands: “It was really amazing to play on such a professional pitch. The great team spirit and support carried us through.”

Libby Rickard, 17, from Ripon, added: “It was pretty inspirational when we were on the pitch. Everyone upped their game and played the best they’ve ever played.”

Miss Gilfillan said the girls, who previously reached the indoor under-16 national play-offs and outdoor under-16 national finals, were the most successful RGS team ever.

“It was a great finale to seven years of great team work and great friendship. Their conduct, hard work and achievement has been amazing, they are a real credit to our school.”

Joint vice-captain Georgie, 17, from Norton-le-Clay added: “It was really special because we have tried to get to the finals at the Olympic pitch for so long, but only just missed out.”

Joint vice-captain Amelia Borchard, 18, from Ripon, who described playing on the Olympic pitch as incredible, added: “I am so proud of the whole team.”

With more than 20 schools from all over the country taking part, Ripon Grammar School had to beat off stiff competition from throughout the North to win the chance to represent their region.

They faced Hampshire’s Peter Symonds College in the nail-biting semi-final, where they drew 1-1. But skilful goal keeper Marianne’s two penalty saves carried them through.

“Both Marianne and our other goalkeeper, Emily Hamby, made some amazing saves. And all the squad played their part, with everyone getting to play on the Olympic pitch,” said Miss Gilfillan. “I’d also like to pay credit to their coach Trevor Bosomworth who has worked hard to get the girls to this level.”

Captain Lucy Williams concluded: “It was an amazing opportunity to play some great competitive hockey in the finals of a national competition - and in the Olympic stadium too.”